I WANT TO BE A LIVING WORK OF ART by ECLETTICA Focal Close-up

The younger daughter of a wealthy cotton manufacturer, Luisa Casati Stampa di Soncino was born in Milan to a life of luxury. During early 20th Century Europe, this femme fatale captivated artists and literati figures alike as her famous eccentricities dominated and delighted European society for nearly three decades.

 

A great patroness of the arts (in particular the Ballets Russes), Luisa was an extravagant hostess whose soirées at the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni are legendary to this day. Indeed, she was somewhat of a legend amongst her contemporaries. She astonished Venetian society by parading with a pair of leashed cheetahs and wearing live snakes as jewellery.

 

La Marchesa Casati died in London in 1957 and was fittingly buried wearing not only her black and leopardskin finery but a pair of false eyelashes. As the concept of dandy was expanded in the 20th Century to include women, Luisa fitted the utmost female example by saying, "I want to be a living work of art".

 

And indeed you were, bella, indeed you were.

 

Where do I begin to tell my tale of this bejewelled work of art I hold in my hands, so lavishly inspired by the fabulous persona that was the Marchesa Casati?

 

Perhaps with my signature circlet? In this instance, I've made it larger, adorned it with Natural Pink Sapphire Rondelles and then, on top of this, I added a second circlet with a chain trim. This smaller circlet is prettied up with Rondelles of Green Sapphire, Peruvian Rhodocrosite, Black Spinel and a single Andalusite.

 

Art Deco swirls continue to make a statement as they hold court to flamboyant waterfalls of fine gems namely:-

 

>> RARE Champagne Diamond Rondelles

>> Peruvian Rhodocrosite Rondelles

>> Andalusite Rondelles

>> Green Sapphire Rondelles

>> Black Spinel Rondelles

 

Each luscious cascade culminates in a delicate Peach Moonstone Briolette crowned with either an exquisite Champagne Diamond or an Andalusite, or a Mystic Prasiolite Briolette with Black Spinel.

 

That centre tassel showcases a magnificent 30mm Labradorite Focal featuring a spectacular Pink Sapphire set within a 14K Solid Yellow Gold Bezel. A tiara of more Black Spinels, Green Sapphires and Brazilian Amethyst sits regally beneath a petite bunch of Madagascar Pink Sapphires and Rhodocrosites.

 

Here and there, there are subtle inclusions of additional Brazilian Amethyst as well as a pair of very sexy Mystic Black Sapphire Onion Briolettes. Upping the decadent quotient beyond definition is a further swag of Champagne Diamonds.

 

Another signature Eclettica touch manifests itself along the chains - asymmetrical placements of Faceted Peach Moonstone Rounds and MORE Champagne Diamonds.

 

By virtue of that nifty adjustable Lobster Claw Clasp, I Want To Be A Living Work Of Art easily extends from 18" to 22.25" whilst her opulent, statement focal measures 5.25" in totality. All wires and chains are 14K Yellow Gold Filled.

 

~ this is an orginal, copyright Eclettica design ~

 

~ this piece will be shipped via Express Mail ~

 

{ COLLECTION }

 

I WANT TO BE A LIVING WORK OF ART is part of Eclettica's ECCENTRIC HEIRESSES Collection.

 

This line actualises my growing obsession with some of the most fascinating (and stylish) women ever. Designs showcased herein will attempt to aesthetically portray their personas. The somewhat mind-boggling ways in which they lived their lives loud and proud, their quirks, their individuality. Basically, the women they were.

 

And, naturally, every single piece will be fashioned in Eclettica's signature style of intricate wirework and unapologetic flamboyance.

Done